Guide to Being 16 Weeks Pregnant

If you've been putting off the decision of whether to find out your baby's gender via ultrasound or save the big reveal for delivery, it's time to make up your mind. The appointment in question will take place in the next few weeks!

There are obvious pros and cons on both sides of this debate. If you find out the baby's gender ahead of time, you can choose a name, decorate the nursery and purchase the appropriate clothes. On the flip side, many traditionalists insist that spoiling the surprise detracts from the excitement of the child's birth. (As someone who found out the genders of my kids the very minute the doctor allowed me to, I disagree with this argument. I still thought my kids' birth days were pretty spectacular, despite the fact that I knew they were coming out with boy parts.) Saving the surprise for delivery day carries a big emotional impact, but you'll be just as excited if you find out earlier. So, make whatever decision you feel most comfortable with. It's truly a win-win situation, either way.

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Shockingly enough, it's still possible for a technician to incorrectly determine the sex of your baby. So, before you paint your nursery, you might want to get a second opinion in the form of a 3-D ultrasound or have the radiologist show you exactly where that penis or labia is located. It might seem overly clinical, but you'll thank me later when you're not spending an entire day returning pink bedding.

TLC Tip

If your ultrasound happens to fall right before a big event, like Christmas, Father's Day or Grannie's birthday, you might consider having the technician write the baby's gender on a piece of paper, seal it in an envelope and then wait to open it on the day in question. Best gift ever!